EUDR Regulation: What It Means for Your Business
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR, Regulation (EU) 2023/1115) requires companies placing certain commodities and derived products on the EU market to prove they are not linked to deforestation occurring after 31 December 2020. Large and medium operators must comply from 30 December 2026; micro and small operators (SMEs) get an extended deadline of 30 June 2027. Proof of compliance takes the form of a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) filed through the EU's TRACES NT system before goods are placed on the market.
What commodities does the EUDR cover?
Per the European Commission, the EUDR applies to cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, and rubber, along with derived products such as leather, chocolate, tyres, and furniture. The full list of covered commodities and products sits in Annex I of the regulation. A more detailed overview is also available in our German-language EUDR pillar article.
What does EUDR compliance actually require?
Companies in scope must submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) through TRACES NT, the EU's official information system, governed by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3084. According to the European Commission, a DDS must include:
- Geolocation of the production plot(s)
- HS code, product description, and quantity
- A declaration that due diligence was performed before the goods are placed on the EU market
TRACES NT itself does not validate the data submitted — responsibility for its accuracy rests with the submitting company. This is the single most common compliance gap: businesses assume the system checks their filing, when in fact it does not.
EUDR deadlines: the compliance timeline
The Commission's schedule is staggered by company size:
- Large and medium operators: compliance required from 30 December 2026
- Micro and small operators (SMEs): compliance required from 30 June 2027
- SMEs already covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR): also from 30 December 2026
After the applicable deadline, affected commodities and derived products cannot legally be placed on the EU market without a valid Due Diligence Statement on file.
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Start my EUDR case now →Sources: European Commission — EUDR overview · European Commission — Information System (TRACES NT) · Regulation (EU) 2023/1115. This page does not provide regulated legal or tax advice.